Spike in WA public school suspensions for assault, intimidation of teachers

The number of public school students suspended for assaulting or intimidating school staff in Western Australia has increased substantially over the past two years.

This is despite an overall drop in the total number of suspensions.

New data from the Education Department has revealed nearly 2,000 students were suspended for assaulting or intimidating teachers or support staff in 2013, 200 more than in 2012 and nearly 500 more than in 2011.

"Unfortunately it's a reflection of what we see in the broader community, the lack of respect for authority, and the use of physical violence to sort problems out," she said.

"But our staff generally manage this very well, we have quite a bit of training available."

Ms O'Neill said she encourages staff to report incidents of assault or intimidation to police.

"At the end of the day, I back staff," she said.

"They should be able to come to work and work safely and do a great job without any fear of physical assault and so when that happens it's serious, it's not on, and I suggest to staff that they go to the police and report it."

Suspensions for assaults or intimidation of staff made up 7.6 per cent of overall numbers in 2013.

Verbal abuse or harassment of staff made up 17 per cent, while assault or intimidation of other students made up 30.1 per cent.

Substance abuse suspensions made up 1.4 per cent.

Overall the number of students suspended fell year-to-year by 0.1 per cent, despite an increase of the number of students enrolled in public schools by almost 10,000 to 276,705.

The number of expulsions has fallen from 54 in 2010 to 20 in 2013.

Number and percentage of suspensions by category 2013:

Suspension Category

Number

%

Physical assault or intimidation of staff

1,996

7.6

Verbal abuse or harassment of staff

4,468

17.0

Physical assault or intimidation of other students

7,907

30.1

Verbal abuse or harassment of students

961

3.7

Wilful offence against property

923

3.5

Violation of school Code of Conduct, behaviour management plan, classroom or school rules